Canillo is the capital of the parish (region) of the same name, the most extensive in Andorra, which occupies the northeast section of the Principality and includes vast areas of forest, open mountain ranges of great natural interest and large towns such as Soldeu, El Tarter, Ransol, Prats, Meritxell or Molleres. Canillo houses some of the best examples of the Andorran architectonic heritage.
Special mention must be made of the Santuario de Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra, whose image has been revered in this place for several centuries. Originally, Meritxell was nothing more than a small Romanesque chapel but in 1658 a new, much larger basilica was raised on its walls. In 1972, a fire destroyed practically the entire complex which led to the General Council contracting the Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill for a new project of the sanctuary. The result is this extraordinary building, inaugurated in 1976, which unites traditional Pyrenean elements and materials but under a new image much more in keeping with 20th century avant-garde architectonic styles (the entrance to the sanctuary is at km 9.5 of the CG2 main road, between Encamp and Canillo; open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 6pm. From May to September, there are free guided tours.
Sant Joan de Caselles is another of Canillo s patrimonial landmarks. It is a beautiful Romanesque temple dating from the end of the 11th century, whose Lombard bell-tower with windows on three sides has become the parish lighthouse and reference. The tower was built independently from the rest of the church but was later joined to the latter by a body of stone. It comprises a single nave with semi-circular apse. Inside, there is a Renaissance altarpiece devoted to Saint John and a stucco Romanesque mural representing the Crucifixion, on the south wall, reconstructed thanks to the discovery of several of its pieces during a restoration. Around it, remains of the medieval cemetery that tended to accompany this type of temple can still be seen. The temple is next to the main road, at the exit from Canillo towards El Tarter. In summer it opens daily; in winter, only at the hour of worship; appointments should be made at the Tourist Office, Tel. +376 751 090.
The town also has some other interesting Romanesque chapels, such as that of Sant Miquel, in Prats, or of Sant Serni, in Canillo itself, the latter reconstructed in the 17th century, when the bell-tower was added, which at 27 metres is the highest in Andorra. All are characterised by the use of local materials, such as pumice stone, limestone and slate and by the absence of sculptural decoration, a characteristic relating them to the Lombard Romanesque dominant in the Catalan Pyrenean counties, the best exponent of which being the Seu d Urgell cathedral. Within religious architecture, the Creu dels 7 BraCos (7-Armed Cross) deserves a mention, being a stone cross built in the 16th century to mark a land boundary on the road from Canillo to Prats and that can now be seen in the Cityhall building, and the Iglesia de la Santa Creu (Church of the Holy Cross) with its interesting belfry.
As far as civil architecture is concerned, the Molí Fariner (Flour Mill) shows the reconstruction of one of these medieval devices driven by the force of water (open daily from 15th June to 15th September).
The Palomar de la Mora, although in ruins, still shows evidence of the enormous size of this building erected in the 17th century. The Palomar de la Mora, although in ruins, still shows evidence of the enormous size of this building erected in the 17th century.
For those seeking something more active before finishing off the day, the Palau de Gel de Andorra (Ice Palace of Andorra) (Canillo) has to be the point of reference. The centre offers an ice-skating rink where ice-kart competitions are held, as well as there being a thermal swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, gymnasium, sauna, massage and UVA room, fitness activities, figure skating, ice-hockey and curling, amongst other winter-related activities. General entrance fee for skating is 8.40 and 5.70 for the pool. The gym and squash and tennis courts have a fee of 5.70 per hour (Ctra. General, s/n, Tel. +376 800 840; the pool opens from 10am to 10pm; skating rink, from 12-2pm, 5-7.30pm and 9.30pm to midnight / www.palaudegelandorra.com
Devotees of free-climbing can practice on the 33 metre-high artificial climbing wall in Canillo. There are routes for all levels, from beginners to experts. It is supervised by instructors and has material for hire. It is on the CG 2 main road, on the Canillo-El Tarter stretch. It is only open in summer and an instructor can be booked through the information office of Valls de Canillo (Tel. +376 751 090). Another interesting excursion is to the Moles waterfall, a natural cascade 35 metres high that creates a beautiful natural environment.
Nightlife in Canillo is very quiet in comparison with that of other towns in Grandvalira. However, it does have one of the most curious and best-known spots in the resort: the Camping Pla. When the sun goes down, its bar becomes a nightspot for cocktails and soft music, very popular with skiers, instructors and workers from the resort. You can play billiards or table-football, listen to music while having a chat or dance at any of the numerous parties that are organised during the season (on the main road, near the cable car building, Tel. +376 851 333).
